Brig. Gen. Lewis discusses variety of issues during visit to Pope Published May 30, 2007 By Airman Mindy J. Bloem 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Brig. Gen. Patricia Lewis, Assistant Surgeon General for Medical Plans and Programs and Chief of the Medical Service Corps, took time May 8 to discuss some effects Pope's base realignment and closure may have on service members and the role Air Force Medical service will play in the future. Pope personnel should not worry about the changes BRAC will bring to the base, the general said. "Our culture is to take care of Air Force members and their families," she stated. "We will continue to do that. Just because we are in a period of transition does not mean that will change." The general responded to the uncertainty some people may be feeling regarding the move. "Some people may find it difficult because it's change," she said. Some have a harder time dealing with change, but we are going to continue to do everything in our power to make sure people our getting the best possible care. We will not turn things over until we feel confident the army can take over. Our goal remains to make this transition seamless." "I am encouraged by the positive attitudes I have seen from the personnel here," the general stated. "I don't see the fear of BRAC here. 'Hats off' to everyone here for a job well done." General Lewis is aware the AFMS will face challenges ahead, but with those challenges will come an opportunity to improve things. "We want to focus on recapitalization and modernization," she said. We want to have light, lean footprints. It is very important to continue that way of lighter and leaner." The general realizes the AFMS is a key component in the Global War on Terrorism. "Where don't we fit in the GWOT?" she questioned rhetorically. "We are embedded in every area with our care. We are working jointly with the other servicemembers who are fighting in this war." Medical care is an essential ingredient to winning the war, she added "In some cases, we can now take a patient from the point of injury to a hospital (like Walter Reed or such) in less than 36 hours," she said. The general realizes force shaping will affect medical services, but she aims to be prepared. Force shaping will affect AFMS the same way it does the line, General Lewis stated. Because of this, medical is looking to the readiness of the house. There are critical skills that need to be considered, as well as what needs to be taken over from the Army. There will be differences in the future regarding how things are done, compared to how things were done in the past, she said. "I don't think it will be much different, but I see us having more joint operations, the general said. "Our health facilities will see more of our various branches working side by side to get the job done." The general expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit Pope and was pleased to receive such a warm reception. "The base is beautiful," she said. "The wing commanders should be very proud. Everyone is doing a great job, and I have been really enjoying my visit."